Comparison analysis of stream cipher algorithms for digital communication

• Main Authors: Mat Sidek, Abd. Rahim (Author), Sha'ameri, Ahmad Zuri (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Penerbit UTM Press, 2007-06.
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: Get fulltext; Get fulltext

 The broadcast nature of radio communication such as in the HF (High Frequency) spectrum exposes the transmitted information to unauthorized third parties. Confidentiality is ensured by employing cipher system. For bulk transmission of data, stream ciphers are ideal choices over block ciphers due to faster implementation speed and not introducing error propagation. The stream cipher algorithms evaluated are based on the linear feedback shift register (LFSR) with nonlinear combining function. By using a common key length and worst case conditions, the strength of several stream cipher algorithms are evaluated using statistical tests, correlation attack, linear complexity profile and nonstandard test. The best algorithm is the one that exceeds all of the tests.